Maintenance 020-37

Engine oil, checking level

ENGINE OIL SERVICE

020
CAUTION—
• Use BMW specified oil to top off engine between oil changes.
• Do not use engine oil additives.

BMW recommends the following engine oils. The recommendation

is based on average ambient temperature.

Engine oil specification

Gasoline engines (N20, N26, N55) BMW Longlife-01
BMW high performance synthetic, SAE 5W - 30 (LL-01) ACEA: C3
Diesel engine (N47) BMW Longlife-04
BMW high performance synthetic, SAE 5W - 30 (LL-04) ACEA: C3

Engine oil, checking level

On gasoline engines, there is no engine oil dipstick. Engine oil level
is monitored electronically during driving and shown on the central
information display. If the oil level reaches the minimum level, a
check control message will be displayed.

NOTE —
• Diesel engine is equipped with a traditional dipstick. Engine oil
level can also be checked at the dipstick after waiting a few minutes
with the engine off.

Monitoring engine oil level electronically ensures that the oil does
not reach critically low levels. Overfilling the engine with oil can
cause leaks; a corresponding warning is therefore given.

Oil level is measured in two stages:

• Static oil level measurement while vehicle is stationary.
• Dynamic oil level measurement during vehicle operation.

Static oil level

Static oil level measurement (engine OFF) is a reference
measurement. Static oil level measurement checks whether there is
sufficient engine oil for a safe and reliable engine start.

Dynamic oil level

Dynamic oil level is measured when the engine is running and at
operating temperature. Start up engine and drive approximately 30
minutes. Once oil is fully warmed up, oil level may be displayed while
driving or while the vehicle is at a standstill on a level surface with the
engine running.

 To check oil level:

With vehicle parked on horizontal surface, start engine and use
iDrive controller to access vehicle info menu:
1. Vehicle Info
2. Vehicle status
3. Measure engine oil level
020-38 Maintenance
Engine oil and filter, changing

 Central Information Display (CID) will prompt you through the

measurement process.

NOTE —
• On diesel models, run engine at operating temperature for about 3
minutes with increased engine speed (approx. 1100 rpm) when
checking oil level.

 If oil level is low, add oil at oil filler (arrow). N20 engine shown, other
engines are similar. Use correct viscosity and grade oil.

Engine oil and filter, changing

CAUTION—
• When changing the oil, make sure the engine oil drain plug is
started and torqued using hand-tools. Power tools can strip the
threads of the plug and the oil pan.

A complete oil change requires new oil, a new filter insert kit and a
new drain plug sealing washer. Run engine for a few minutes to
warm engine oil. Switch engine OFF.

 Use oil filter cap wrench to loosen and remove oil filter housing cover
(arrow). Remove filter cartridge and discard O-ring.

– Raise vehicle and support safely.

WARNING —
• Be sure vehicle is stable and well supported at all times. Use a
professional automotive lift or jack stands. A floor jack is not
adequate support.
 Maintenance 020-39
Engine oil and filter, changing

 Working underneath engine, locate opening at back of engine

splash shield where drain plug is exposed (arrow).

020
– Place drain pan under oil drain plug. Using a socket or box wrench,
loosen drain plug. Remove plug by hand and let oil drain into pan.

WARNING —
• Pull the loose plug away from the hole quickly to avoid being
scalded by oil. It will run out quickly when the plug is removed.
Use gloves to protect your hands. Wear eye protection.

– When oil flow has diminished to an occasional drip, reinstall drain

plug.
• On plastic sump engines (gas RWD), use a new drain plug.
• On metal sump engine (diesel and AWD), use a new metal sealing
washer and torque plug.

NOTE —
• Plastic drain plugs: check to make sure drain plug is correctly
seated and locked in place. If the specified torque fails to lock the
oil drain plug in place, it is not installed correctly. The drain plug
locking flanges must align with the openings in the oil sump.

Tightening torque
Engine oil drain plug to oil pan
Plastic sump (gas RWD) 8 Nm ( 6 ft-lb)
(use new plastic drain plug)
Aluminum sump (diesel and AWD) 25 Nm (18 ft-lb)
(use new sealing gasket)

 Lubricate and install new oil filter O-ring and new filter cartridge in oil
filter housing cover. Install and tighten housing cover.

Tightening torque
Cover to oil filter housing 25 Nm (18 ft-lb)

– Refill crankcase with oil. Approximate oil capacity is listed in Table g.

Table g. Engine oil capacity

N20, N26 engine
• AWD 5.1 US qt (4.8 liters)
• RWD 5.3 US qt (5.0 liters)
N47 engine 5.5 US qt (5.2 liters)
N55 engine 6.9 US qt (6.5 liters)

– Start and run engine briefly. Shut engine off and wait a few minutes,
then and check for correct oil level:
• Park on horizontal surface.
• Run engine until it reaches operating temperature. Increase
engine speed to 1100 rpm and maintain for 3 minutes.
• Read engine oil level using instrument cluster display. See Engine
oil, checking level in this repair group.
 established 1950
Automotive Reference™

BentleyPublishers
.com

BMW 3 Series (F30, F31, F34)

Service Manual: 2012-2015
320i, 328i, 328d, 335i, including xDrive
Bentley Stock Number: B315
Publication Date: 2016-02-16
ISBN: 978-0-8376-1752-7
Hardcover, 8 3/8 in. x 11 in.
Case quantity: 5
1,078 pages, 1,546 photos, illustrations and diagrams

The BMW 3 Series (F30, F31, F34) Service Manual: 2012-2015 is a

comprehensive source of service information and specifications for the
BMW 3 Series from 2012 to 2015. The aim throughout this manual has
been simplicity, clarity and completeness, with practical explanations,
step-by-step procedures and accurate specifications. Whether you’re
a professional or a do-it-yourself BMW owner, this manual will help Learn how to reset condition-based
you understand, care for and repair your car. service (CBS) intervals using iDrive.
020 Maintenance

Features:
• Maintenance procedures from changing the cabin microfilter to
replacing and registering a new battery. This manual tells you what
to do and how and when to do it.
• Front-to-rear fluid and lubricant service, including xDrive transfer Direct fuel injection service,
including replacing and
case fluid and ATF. resetting injector quantity
• Cylinder head cover gasket and crankshaft seal replacement. compensation.
130 Fuel Injection
• Cooling system, thermostat and radiator service. (N20, N26, N55 engine)
• Gasoline fuel and ignition system diagrams and explanations for
turbo-valvetronic-direct injection (TVDI) engines.
• Diesel fuel injection system diagrams and explanations for turbo-
direct injection (TDI) engine management systems.
• Service and repair information on BMW EfficientDynamics
technology, such as Valvetronic, xDrive, TwinPower turbo, and DSC
(dynamic stability control). Drive axle, driveshaft and wheel
• Twin scroll (gasoline) and variable vane (diesel) turbocharger bearing service.
260 Driveshafts,
removal and installation. 310 Front Suspension,
• Step-by-step variable camshaft timing (VANOS) service. 330 Rear Suspensions
• Suspension repairs, including wheel bearing replacement.
• Brakes, steering and ABS troubleshooting and repair. Engines covered:
• Heating and air-conditioning repair, including A/C component Gasoline: N20 engine: 320i, 328i, including xDrive
replacement. N26 (SULEV) engine: 328i including xDrive
N55 engine: 335i including xDrive
• Body and hood repairs and adjustments. Diesel: N47 engine: 328d, including xDrive
• Electrical system service, with an easy-to-use illustrated component
locator section. Transmissions covered (remove, install, external service):
• Comprehensive wiring schematics, including fuses and grounds. Manual: GS6-17BG (4-cylinder models)
• BMW OBD II diagnostic trouble codes, SAE-defined OBD II GS6-45BZ (6-cylinder models, RWD)
GS6X-45BZ (6-cylinder models, with xDrive)
P-codes, as well as basic scan tool operation.
• BMW factory tolerances, wear limits, adjustments and tightening Automatic: ZF GA8HP45Z
torques.

Bentley Publishers, 1734 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138-1804 USA

Tel: 617-547-4170 • Toll Free: 800-423-4595 • Fax: 617-876-9235
http://www.bentleypublishers.com/contact-us

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